Lets just get it over with, because we've all been thinking it: Sarah Palin was damn attractive. Lets also remember that saying so falls slightly within the realm of "let me say something a little offensive, but I'm not a ___ist." Reducing a woman to a collection of her anatomical parts and/or sex appeal is fundamentally wrong. It only serves to further reinforce stereotypes and negative perceptions about the capabilities of "the fairer sex." As a guy, I have to be honest though: Sarah Palin is pretty attractive.

But now that its been said, can we start a dialog about this unlikely veep choice? Of all the Republicans in all the world, why someone who presides over a state with a total population smaller than Omaha, Nebraska? Is she really qualified to take the reigns if (when) McCain bites the bullet? Let's talk it out, beginning with a look at her political highlight reel concerning two major issues which I think will define the next presidency - energy policy, and women's rights:

EnergyPalin is a proponent of continued oil resource development in her home state. This includes, of course, opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for exploratory drilling. Forget the fact that the reserve supports six distinct ecosystems, including the natural habitat for the dwindling polar bear. Forget that Governor Palin opposed putting polar bears on the endangered species list, because their inhabiting the drilling area would dampen exploratory prospects. Forget that a human industrial presence in the ANWR would significantly affect its ecological balance, no matter what Big Oil tells you.

Forget that known Alaskan oil peaked in 1988. Forget that every media outlet on the planet has been reminding us that it takes at least 10 years for found oil to be processed for consumer consumption. Forget that it's been shown that, even if oil is found there, the ANWR is predicted to have a minor at best contribution to prices at the pump. Take away from this the fact that this woman is representative of the same politics which led us from $1.25 gas, to $4.50 gas and an "oh, shit...oops" attitude concerning global climate change.

Women's RightsThe ceiling has been cracked, and gender/sexuality politics is thankfully at the forefront of the American psyche.

Palin is an accomplished governor and a mother; her son will be shipping out to Iraq in September (whether he'll get the Prince William treatment is to be seen). But we, as voters and as intelligent people must mark the difference between being a woman, and being sensitive to women's issues. Palin is a lifelong member of the NRA and a prominent member of Feminists for Life, both anti-abortion and against gay-marraige. Not new positions for a Republican, but we, as a voter generation defined by a global education, and a world not easily split into black and white, deserve better than elected officials (regardless of partisan stance) who continue to address important social issues according to simple duality.

On a positive note, I will say that I applaud her bravery in raising a child with Down syndrome; a child who will face many challenges down the road - her success as a parent will provide continued de-facto support for disability aid groups worldwide.

I'm sitting here watching James Carville about to have a shit attack live on CNN; the man is absolutely "floored" by the veep-stakes results, and it makes me wonder: was this merely political pandering by the GOP, or a move for true change on the political horizon?